North KC High’s first male dance team member smashes stereotypes, inspires classmates

NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kevin Nguyen likes a challenge. He has a knack for speech, debate and theater, but he also suspected he might have all the right moves on the dance floor.

With the encouragement of his friends and classmates, Nguyen earned his spot on the dance team, making him the first male member of the squad in school history.

“My first game I didn’t want to perform pre-game because I was scared people were going to judge me or make fun of me,” Nguyen recalled. “And then I went out there, and I performed in pregame and the crowd went wild. It was an amazing experience.”

Kevin Nguyen

Nguyen’s entire high school career has been an amazing experience. With several awards for his debate and theater skills, the senior added “smashing stereotypes” to his resume by winning a spot on the dance squad.

“It’s just so exhilarating because, you know, you’re the only male out there,” Nguyen said. “And, yes, a lot of people are there to see the whole entire team, but a lot of people there are very supportive of the fact that there’s a male dancer.”